We're No Longer Best Friends

[Author's note: Ugh, this is so frustrating. I've never been in love, so I can't even imagine what it feels like when the leads fall for each other. Should I try dating a few people with completely different personalities?]

"Can't they put in a few more vending machines?" Nobara complained offhandedly, tossing me a can.

"No can do. Only a handful of staff are allowed in here."

I looked at the drink in my hand, and the words [Sea Salt Rose Mousse Black Tea] instantly silenced me.

"Uh, are all the drinks at Jujutsu High like this?"

"Huh? I just pressed a random button. Why would they even have such a bizarre flavor?" Nobara took the drink back and inspected it curiously.

"Let me see what flavor yours is." The label boldly declared, "[Matcha Daifuku Nut Drink]."

Megumi Fushiguro sighed. "Can you even drink that?" He pressed the buttons again and handed us a few more cans.

As I sipped the normal drink Megumi Fushiguro had given me, I said, "I bet Gojo-sensei would love these drinks."

"Huh."

We looked toward the voice and saw a tall, hulking guy beside someone who looked exactly like Maki.

"Zenin-senpai, what brings you here?"

"Oh, so that's it. They have a similar vibe. Are they sisters?"

"They're twins."

"Honestly, Fushiguro, calling me that makes it hard to tell me apart from Maki. Just call me Mai." Mai brushed back her hair.

"Are these the ones replacing Okkotsu and the third-years?"

"We were worried about you, so we came along with the principal. You have another classmate who isn't here, right?"

Megumi Fushiguro frowned. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

"A 'Vessel' is basically a monster that's half curse. Having such a filthy, inhuman thing shamelessly call himself a 'jujutsu sorcerer' alongside you must make you sick to your stomach."

"It would've been satisfying if he'd died. Too bad he's still alive." Mai turned her gaze to my face. "You're the one who saved him, aren't you? The Special Grade Cursed Speech User who can control Cursed Speech freely?"

She phrased it as a question, but her tone was certain.

"What an obnoxious person. You look alike, but you're not half the woman Maki-senpai is." I folded my arms disdainfully.

"You!"

"That's enough, Mai. All I care about is whether you're qualified to take Okkotsu's place. Nothing else."

"Your name's Taketori, right?" Aoi Todo stepped up to me and bent down slightly, looking straight into my eyes.

Even though I knew what Aoi Todo was like in the story, having such a vicious-looking hulk standing in front of me was still incredibly intimidating.

I couldn't help swallowing.

"You! What kind of woman is your type?"

"...Huh?" ×3

All three of us had giant question marks hanging over our heads.

"Depending on your answer, I might beat you half to death right here." As he spoke, he savagely tore off his shirt. "At least make the third-years participate in the Goodwill Event."

Megumi Fushiguro stepped in front of me, his face expressionless.

"For the record, I like tall women with big asses!" Aoi Todo bared his muscular torso. "You! What kind of woman is your type?"

"Hurry up! I don't want to ask twice!"

"Uh..."

"Hey, aren't you putting Edano on the spot?"

"...Fine. What kind of man is your type?"

"...I don't have a particular type."

"What! Was I wrong about you?" Aoi Todo closed his eyes, tilted his head back, and shed two thick streams of tears. "In that case... we're never going to be best friends again!" He gritted his teeth, his voice filled with grief and indignation.

"Huh? But we don't even know each other yet."

"Aoi Todo, Kyoto third-year. Introduction complete. Now we're no longer best friends."

"..." ×3

In the midst of his grief, Aoi Todo suddenly charged at me.

"Hey! Why are you launching a sneak attack? Actually, I think I like tall women with big asses too!" I hurriedly dodged. That's playing way too dirty!

"Too late. You betrayed my kindness." A tear lingered at the corner of Aoi Todo's eye. He wiped his face and walked toward me.

"Aaah, stop making me sound like some heartless bastard!"

Meanwhile, Mai had Nobara Kugisaki tied up, and Megumi Fushiguro went to help her.

"Fushiguro, can Edano handle him? I'm fine for now!" Nobara said as she struggled in Mai's "loving embrace."

"She can handle it." Fushiguro summoned his shikigami. "[Nue], plus 'Toad,' [Frogs at the Bottom of the Well]." A swarm of winged frogs emerged from the shadows and leaped onto Mai.

"What are these things? Gross! Get off!" While Mai dealt with the shikigami, Nobara wriggled free of her grasp.

Watching me barely block a punch Aoi Todo hadn't even put his full strength into, Nobara couldn't help worrying. "Is Edano really going to be okay?"

Megumi Fushiguro lowered his eyes, his expression unreadable. "She's strong."

"True. Edano is Special Grade, after all."

"..."

Aoi Todo's attacks were too fast and fierce. Even with [Dense Satin] dissipating most of the force, I was gradually struggling to keep up. Still, I gained a lot from it. My mastery of Reverse Cursed Technique had increased by another 5%, for instance.

I'll have to step up my training when I get back.

"[Don't move.]"

Aoi Todo froze in place.

I rose from the ground and cupped my fist in my other hand. "Thank you for the lesson, Todo-senpai." Then I released the Cursed Speech.

Aoi Todo gave me a long look, then glanced at Panda and Toge Inumaki, who had finally arrived.

"Long time no see, Panda."

"Why couldn't you wait until the Goodwill Event? Go back already."

"You don't have to tell me. I was just leaving... Speaking of which, where did I put my shirt?"

I poked my head out from behind Panda. "Senpai, I think you already tore it to pieces."

Aoi Todo looked back, rubbed his neck, and smiled. "Looks like the Goodwill Event won't be boring from start to finish after all."

He looked at Panda. "Tell Okkotsu, 'You'd better participate too.'"

"I'm a panda! I don't understand human language!"

"Salmon."

"Mai, we're leaving!"

"...Honestly! You just do whatever you want!"